I too have a root canal done on #19 almost 12 yrs. ago. Now I have an abcess below the root of my tooth plus a fracture in my root. It is not really painful but really annoying. Dentist prescribed an antibiotic and I would like to try a natural method before going on the antibiotic. If the infection comes back, (whatever that means, since the antibiotic is not going to get rid of it fully) the dentist will proceed with either a tooth extraction or refer me to a specialist to perform an apicoectomy. The apicoectomy seemed better because I would rather avoid losing my teeth and the thought of an implant sounds really risky especially to bones, nerves, and sinus. If I could have my tooth removed without any implant or bridge that would be great, but then I heard that it could cause the other teeth to shift. Aaah!!! I don't know what to do.